Criminal offences, summary conviction

There are several categories of criminal offences under the Criminal Code in Canada. The most serious offences are called indictable. The minor offences are referred to as summary conviction offences. The maximum penalty for the summary conviction offences does not exceed $5,000 or/ and six months’ imprisonment. Summary conviction offences are always tried in Ontario Court of Justice without a jury. The list of summary conviction offences that we offer our services and legal representation to our clients can be found below. There is also a category of the offences which is known as hybrid offences. If your charge is one that falls into this category a Crown prosecutor has a discretion to choose the way to proceed, by indictment or summarily. The choice will affect the forum, the level of the court where the offence will be tried . In case when the Superior Court is chosen, the decision to make is whether the trial will be conducted by the judge alone or by a judge before a jury.